Shop owner appeals for help after squirrels steal dozens of chocolates

The owner of a corner shop has appealed for help after squirrels keep sneaking into his business and making off with chocolate bars. Showing a clear preference for Crunchie (you’d think they’d go for Snickers?), the animals aim for bars on the lower shelves so they can make a speedy exit with their loot. So far, they have struck more than 40 times at the shop in Toronto, with the owner setting up CCTV to gather evidence.

Paul Kim, owner of Luke’s Grocery, said: “At least two squirrels are robbing us. A black one (or more) and a light brown one (or more). Though we can’t see it the moment it commits the theft because the bars are displayed below the counter, we can hear a distinct rustling. When we come around the counter to try to catch it, we can see the squirrel running off with the bar in its mouth. We tried running after it, but it’s faster. A couple of times, passersby and customers tried chasing after it with us, but once it goes up a tree, it’s game over.”

“We could try closing the door, but then the store will get stuffy, and it just costs too much to cool down the place enough all day every day,” he said. “We can’t use the usual tricks for deterring squirrels. We couldn’t, for instance, sprinkle hot pepper flakes all over the chocolate bars because little kids buy these things and might rub their eyes after. We also couldn’t set up a barbed wire because, well, it’s the big front entrance we’re talking about. Please help!’Metro